Mississippi Legislature Advances Bills to Regulate Kratom Sales

Mississippi lawmakers have sent two bills to the governor that could reshape how kratom is sold in the state. House Bill 1077 proposes raising the minimum age for purchasing kratom to 21 and banning synthetic kratom products, aligning with the wishes of many users who favor pure leaf forms. Meanwhile, House Bill 1896 introduces a 25% excise tax on kratom, sparking concerns about affordability and potential underground markets.

Opinions on these measures vary. Christina Dent, founder of End It For Good, praised the approach for balancing regulation with access, protecting children while allowing adult users to continue purchasing kratom. However, Rep. Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes expressed disappointment, stating she preferred stricter measures like classifying kratom as a Schedule III drug.

The bills do not override local ordinances, leaving some Mississippians worried about inconsistent regulations across towns. Read more at WLBT via MSN News.